Systems and methods are described for determining playback points in media assets based on both a keyword and a context of a current playback point in a media asset. For example, in response to user input of a keyword (e.g., “Matt Damon”) while the user is consuming a media asset, a current playback point in the media asset is determined. Context of the media asset at the current playback point is then determined (e.g., the current playback point involves a car chase). Playback points in the media asset are determined that match both the context and the keyword and are presented to the user (e.g., playback points with Matt Damon in a car chase).
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1. A method for determining playback points in media assets, the method comprising: receiving, while generating for display of a media asset, an indicator of the media asset; in response to receiving the indicator of the media asset: retrieving metadata associated with a current playback point in the media asset; and assigning a context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point; in response to determining that more than one context is assigned based on the retrieved metadata: searching user viewing history to select a context based on context of a threshold number of media assets consumed by the user; and comparing the indicator and the selected context with a plurality of keywords and contexts associated with playback points in one or more media assets; determining, based on the comparing, that a keyword, from the plurality of keywords, and the selected context correspond to a playback point in at least one matching media asset of the one or more media assets; and generating, for the matching media asset, an indication for selection that the indicator and the selected context correspond to the playback point.
This invention relates to a method for determining playback points in media assets, addressing the challenge of identifying relevant points in media content based on contextual metadata and user history. The method involves receiving an indicator of a media asset during playback and retrieving metadata associated with the current playback point. A context is assigned based on this metadata. If multiple contexts are identified, the system searches the user's viewing history to select a context based on the context of a threshold number of previously consumed media assets. The method then compares the indicator and selected context with keywords and contexts associated with playback points in other media assets. If a match is found, the system determines that a keyword and the selected context correspond to a playback point in at least one matching media asset. Finally, an indication is generated for the matching media asset, suggesting that the indicator and selected context align with a specific playback point. This approach enhances media navigation by leveraging contextual metadata and user history to identify relevant playback points across different media assets.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising media guidance data, wherein the media guidance data comprises a respective content source for a second media asset from the one or more media assets.
A system and method for managing media assets provides a user interface that displays a list of media assets, such as videos or audio files, along with associated metadata. The system allows a user to select a media asset from the list and initiate playback. The user interface includes a navigation bar that enables the user to browse through the media assets, and a search function to locate specific media assets. The system also includes media guidance data, which provides additional information about the media assets, such as the content source for a second media asset. This guidance data helps users identify the origin or provider of the media content, enhancing the user experience by offering transparency and context. The system may also include features for organizing, filtering, or categorizing media assets based on user preferences or metadata attributes. The overall goal is to improve media discovery and playback efficiency by providing a structured and informative interface.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: in response to receiving a keyword from a user: comparing attributes of the keyword with attributes of each of a plurality of keywords related to the first media asset; determining a subset of the plurality of keywords that have an attribute that matches an attribute of the keyword; and generating for display the subset of the plurality of keywords.
This invention relates to media asset management systems that enhance user interaction by dynamically filtering and displaying relevant keywords. The problem addressed is the difficulty users face in efficiently navigating or searching through media assets due to the lack of intuitive keyword-based filtering. The solution involves a method that improves keyword-based navigation by dynamically comparing and matching keyword attributes in response to user input. The method operates by first receiving a keyword from a user. The system then compares the attributes of this keyword with attributes of a predefined set of keywords associated with a media asset. These attributes may include semantic meaning, context, or other metadata. The system identifies a subset of keywords from the predefined set that share at least one matching attribute with the user-provided keyword. Finally, the system generates a display of this filtered subset, allowing the user to quickly access relevant keywords for further interaction with the media asset. This dynamic filtering improves efficiency by reducing the number of irrelevant keywords presented to the user, making navigation more intuitive and targeted. The method can be applied to various media assets, including videos, documents, or other content where keyword-based organization is beneficial.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the keyword is a first keyword, and wherein assigning the context comprises: receiving, while generating for display the first media asset, a second keyword from the user; determining, based on characteristics of the first keyword and characteristics of the second keyword, a keyword context linking the first keyword with the second keyword; and assigning the context based on both (1) the keyword context and (2) the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point.
This invention relates to media asset processing systems that enhance user interaction by dynamically assigning contextual information to keywords. The problem addressed is the lack of contextual relevance when users search or interact with media assets, leading to inefficient navigation and discovery. The solution involves a method for assigning context to keywords based on user input and metadata associated with the media asset's current playback point. The method begins by receiving a first keyword from a user while a media asset is being displayed. A second keyword is then received from the user during playback. The system analyzes the characteristics of both keywords to determine a keyword context that links them. This context is derived from semantic relationships, such as synonyms, related concepts, or user behavior patterns. Additionally, metadata associated with the current playback point of the media asset is retrieved. The context is then assigned based on both the keyword context and the retrieved metadata, ensuring that the assigned context is relevant to the user's current interaction and the media asset's content. This approach improves keyword-based navigation by dynamically adapting to user input and media context, enhancing search accuracy and user experience.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein assigning the context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point comprises: determining, based on the retrieved metadata, that a plurality of contexts correspond to the current playback point; retrieving, from a user profile, a context preference; determining that the context preference matches a first context of the plurality of contexts; and assigning the first context as the context.
This invention relates to adaptive media playback systems that dynamically adjust content based on contextual metadata and user preferences. The problem addressed is the challenge of selecting the most relevant context from multiple possible contexts associated with a specific playback point in a media stream, ensuring personalized and coherent playback experiences. The method involves retrieving metadata linked to the current playback point in the media stream, which may indicate multiple valid contexts. To resolve this, the system accesses a user profile to determine the user's context preference. If the user's preference matches one of the available contexts, that context is assigned for playback. This ensures that the selected context aligns with the user's historical or explicit preferences, enhancing personalization. The approach avoids arbitrary context selection when multiple options exist, improving user satisfaction and engagement. The system dynamically adapts to both the media content and user behavior, optimizing the playback experience in real-time.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein assigning the context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point comprises: determining, based on the retrieved metadata, that a plurality of contexts correspond to the current playback point; retrieving, from a server, an indication of popularity for each of the plurality of contexts; determining, based on the retrieved indication of popularity for each of the plurality of contexts, a most popular context; and assigning the most popular context as the context.
This invention relates to a method for dynamically assigning context to media content during playback, particularly when multiple contexts are associated with a specific playback point. The problem addressed is the ambiguity that arises when multiple contextual options exist for a given point in a media stream, such as a video or audio file, which can lead to inconsistent or irrelevant contextual information being presented to the user. The method involves retrieving metadata associated with the current playback point to identify all possible contexts that correspond to that point. If multiple contexts are found, the system retrieves popularity data for each context from a server. This popularity data may reflect user engagement, frequency of selection, or other relevance metrics. The system then analyzes the popularity data to determine the most popular context among the available options. The most popular context is then assigned as the active context for the current playback point, ensuring that the most relevant or commonly chosen context is presented to the user. This approach improves the accuracy and consistency of contextual information provided during media playback, enhancing user experience by prioritizing the most relevant context based on collective user preferences or engagement patterns. The method is particularly useful in applications where media content may have multiple valid interpretations or contextual associations at specific points.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining, based on the comparing, that the keyword, from the plurality of keywords, and the selected context correspond to the playback point in at least one matching media asset of the plurality of other media assets comprises: determining a number of the at least one playback point that correspond to the keyword and the context; comparing the number to a threshold number; determining that the number exceeds the threshold number; and in response to determining that the number exceeds the threshold number, =generating for display a subset of the at least one playback point, wherein the subset includes only playback points within a threshold amount of time from the current playback point.
This invention relates to media playback systems that identify and display relevant playback points in media assets based on user-provided keywords and contextual information. The problem addressed is efficiently locating specific moments in media content that match a user's query, particularly when multiple media assets may contain relevant segments. The solution involves analyzing a plurality of media assets to determine playback points where a keyword and selected context correspond to content within those assets. The system compares the keyword and context against metadata or content features of the media assets to identify matching playback points. When multiple matches are found, the system counts the number of matching playback points and compares this count to a predefined threshold. If the count exceeds the threshold, the system filters the results to display only playback points that are within a specified time range from the current playback position. This ensures the user receives a manageable and relevant subset of results, avoiding information overload while maintaining contextual relevance. The method enhances user experience by dynamically adjusting the displayed results based on the density of matches, prioritizing proximity to the current playback point.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating, for the matching media asset, the indication for selection that the indicator and the selected context correspond to the playback point comprises: generating for display a progress bar overlaid on one or more of the other media assets; determining locations on the progress bar corresponding to each of the at least one playback point; and generating for display, at each of the locations on the progress bar, the indication.
This invention relates to media playback systems, specifically to methods for visually indicating playback points within media assets based on contextual relevance. The problem addressed is the difficulty users face in identifying and navigating to specific points within media content that are relevant to a selected context, such as a search query or user preference. The solution involves dynamically generating visual indicators on a progress bar overlaid on media assets, where the indicators mark playback points that correspond to the selected context. The method begins by generating a progress bar overlaid on one or more media assets. The system then determines specific locations on this progress bar that correspond to playback points within the media content, where these points are relevant to the selected context. Finally, the system generates visual indications at these determined locations on the progress bar, allowing users to easily identify and navigate to the relevant sections of the media. This approach enhances user experience by providing clear, contextual navigation cues within media playback interfaces.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising media guidance data, wherein the media guidance data is generated for display on a first device, and wherein generating for display the media guidance data comprises: determining that a number of the at least one playback point that correspond to the keyword and the context exceed a threshold number to display on the first device; in response to determining that the number exceeds the threshold number to display on the first device, determining a second device associated with the user; and transmitting data associated with one or more of the at least one playback points to the second device to be displayed by the second device.
This invention relates to media guidance systems that help users navigate and interact with media content. The problem addressed is the difficulty in efficiently presenting media guidance data, such as playback points related to keywords and context, when the number of relevant points exceeds the display capacity of a primary device. The solution involves generating media guidance data for display on a first device, such as a television or smartphone, and dynamically offloading excess data to a second device, such as a tablet or computer, when the number of playback points exceeds a predefined threshold. The system first identifies playback points in media content that match a user-specified keyword and context. If the count of these points surpasses the threshold for display on the first device, the system identifies a second device associated with the user and transmits the excess playback points to that device for display. This ensures users can access all relevant media guidance data without overwhelming the primary device's interface. The method enhances user experience by distributing media guidance information across multiple devices based on content relevance and display constraints.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising media guidance data, wherein the media guidance data comprises parental controls for the second media asset.
This invention relates to media guidance systems that provide access to multiple media assets, such as television shows, movies, or streaming content. The problem addressed is the need for enhanced control and customization of media consumption, particularly for parental oversight. The system allows users to access a first media asset while simultaneously displaying a second media asset, such as a preview or related content, in a secondary display area. The invention further includes media guidance data that incorporates parental controls for the second media asset. These controls enable parents or guardians to restrict access to certain content, ensuring that children or other users cannot view inappropriate material. The system dynamically adjusts the display of the second media asset based on the applied parental controls, filtering or blocking content as necessary. This ensures a safer and more controlled media viewing experience while maintaining the ability to browse or preview additional content. The invention improves user experience by providing flexible media navigation with built-in content restrictions.
11. A system for determining playback points in media assets, the system comprising: user input circuitry; and control circuitry configured to: generate for display a first media asset; receive, while generating for display the first media asset, a keyword from a user; in response to receiving the keyword from the user: determine a current playback point in the first media asset; retrieve metadata associated with the current playback point; and assign a context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point; in response to determining that more than one context is assigned based on the retrieved metadata: search user viewing history to select a context based on context of a threshold number of media assets consumed by the user; and compare both (1) the keyword and (2) the selected context with a plurality of keywords and contexts associated with playback points in each of a plurality of other media assets; determine, based on the comparison, that the keyword and the selected context correspond to at least one playback point in each of the plurality of other media assets; generate, for each of the other media assets, an indication that the keyword and the selected context correspond to at least one playback point; detect a selection of a first indication of the indications, wherein the first indication is associated with a second media asset of the plurality of other media assets; and in response to the detection of the selection of the first indication, generate for display media guidance data for the second media asset.
This system relates to media playback navigation, addressing the challenge of efficiently locating relevant content across multiple media assets based on user input. The system includes user input circuitry and control circuitry that processes media playback and user interactions. While displaying a first media asset, the system receives a keyword from the user and determines the current playback point. Metadata associated with this point is retrieved to assign a context, which may involve analyzing the media's content, such as scene descriptions or tags. If multiple contexts are identified, the system searches the user's viewing history to select a context based on the most frequently consumed media assets matching the threshold criteria. The keyword and selected context are then compared against keywords and contexts linked to playback points in other media assets. If matches are found, the system generates indications for each relevant media asset. Upon user selection of an indication, the system displays media guidance data for the corresponding media asset, facilitating navigation to the relevant playback point. This approach enhances content discovery by leveraging contextual metadata and user history to suggest related media segments.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the media guidance data comprises a respective content source for the second media asset.
A system for media guidance includes a processing circuit configured to receive a user input selecting a first media asset and a second media asset, where the second media asset is different from the first media asset. The system displays a first media asset and a second media asset in a single display region, with the second media asset being displayed in a smaller size than the first media asset. The system also displays media guidance data associated with the second media asset, including a respective content source for the second media asset. The processing circuit further receives a user input to navigate between the first media asset and the second media asset, adjusting the display sizes accordingly. The system may also include a display device for presenting the media assets and guidance data, and a user input device for receiving navigation commands. The media guidance data may include additional information such as metadata, recommendations, or related content. The system allows users to view multiple media assets simultaneously while maintaining access to relevant guidance information.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: in response to receiving the keyword from the user: compare attributes of the keyword with attributes of each of a plurality of keywords related to the first media asset; determine a subset of the plurality of keywords that have an attribute that matches an attribute of the keyword; and generate for display the subset of the plurality of keywords.
This invention relates to a media asset recommendation system that enhances user interaction by dynamically filtering and displaying relevant keywords. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating large media libraries by providing users with contextually relevant keyword suggestions based on their input. The control circuitry of the system receives a keyword from a user and compares its attributes (e.g., semantic meaning, relevance score, or category) with attributes of pre-existing keywords associated with a media asset. The system then identifies and displays a subset of keywords that share matching attributes with the user's input. This filtering process ensures that the displayed keywords are highly relevant to the user's query, improving the efficiency of media discovery and selection. The system may also prioritize keywords based on additional factors such as user preferences or historical data to further refine recommendations. By dynamically adjusting the displayed keywords in response to user input, the system enhances the user experience by reducing search time and increasing the likelihood of finding desired media content.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the keyword is a first keyword, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when assigning the context, to: receive, while generating for display the first media asset, a second keyword from the user; determine, based on characteristics of the first keyword and characteristics of the second keyword, a keyword context linking the first keyword with the second keyword; and assign the context based on both (1) the keyword context and (2) the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point.
This invention relates to a media playback system that enhances user interaction by dynamically assigning context to keywords based on user input and media metadata. The system addresses the challenge of improving keyword relevance in media playback by linking related keywords and leveraging metadata to provide more accurate contextual assignments. The system includes control circuitry configured to generate for display a media asset, such as a video or audio file, and receive a first keyword from a user during playback. The circuitry retrieves metadata associated with the current playback point of the media asset, which may include timestamps, scene descriptions, or other contextual data. While the media asset is being displayed, the system receives a second keyword from the user. The circuitry then analyzes the characteristics of both keywords—such as semantic meaning, frequency, or user history—to determine a keyword context that links the first and second keywords. This context is used, along with the retrieved metadata, to assign an overall context to the keywords, improving the system's ability to provide relevant responses or actions based on the user's input. The system may also include a display for presenting the media asset and an input interface for receiving user keywords. This approach enhances media interaction by dynamically adapting to user input and media content.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when assigning the context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point, to: determine, based on the retrieved metadata, that a plurality of contexts correspond to the current playback point; retrieve, from a user profile, a context preference; determine that the context preference matches a first context of the plurality of contexts; and assign the first context as the context.
This invention relates to a media playback system that dynamically assigns contextual information to enhance user experience during playback. The system addresses the challenge of selecting the most relevant context when multiple contexts are associated with a single playback point in a media file. The system includes control circuitry that retrieves metadata linked to the current playback position and identifies multiple applicable contexts. To resolve ambiguity, the system accesses a user profile to determine the user's preferred context and assigns the matching context to the playback. This ensures personalized and accurate contextual information is displayed or used during media playback. The system may also include a storage device for metadata and user profiles, as well as an interface for user interaction. The context may include subtitles, descriptions, or other supplementary information that enhances understanding or accessibility. The invention improves media playback by dynamically adapting to user preferences and metadata associations, ensuring the most relevant context is always presented.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when assigning the context based on the retrieved metadata associated with the current playback point, to: determine, based on the retrieved metadata, that a plurality of contexts correspond to the current playback point; retrieve, from a server, an indication of popularity for each of the plurality of contexts; determine, based on the retrieved indication of popularity for each of the plurality of contexts, a most popular context; and assign the most popular context as the context.
This invention relates to a media playback system that dynamically assigns contextual information to a media stream based on metadata and popularity data. The system addresses the challenge of providing relevant contextual information during media playback, such as subtitles, translations, or descriptive metadata, by automatically selecting the most appropriate context from multiple available options. The system includes control circuitry that retrieves metadata associated with the current playback point of the media stream. If multiple contexts correspond to that playback point, the system further retrieves popularity data for each context from a server. The popularity data indicates how frequently each context has been used or selected by other users. The system then determines the most popular context based on this data and assigns it as the active context for the current playback point. This ensures that the most widely preferred or relevant context is displayed or applied during playback. The system may also include a user interface for displaying the assigned context, such as subtitles or additional metadata, and may allow users to manually override the automatically selected context. The metadata and popularity data are stored and updated on a server, enabling real-time adjustments based on user preferences and usage patterns. This approach enhances the media playback experience by dynamically adapting to the most relevant contextual information available.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when determining that the keyword and the context correspond to the at least one playback point in each of the plurality of media asset, to: determine a number of the at least one playback point that correspond to the keyword and the context; compare the number to a threshold number; determine that the number exceeds the threshold number; and in response to determining that the number exceeds the threshold number, generate for display a subset of the at least one playback point, wherein the subset includes only playback points within a threshold amount of time from the current playback point.
This invention relates to media playback systems that identify and display relevant playback points in response to user queries. The problem addressed is the overwhelming number of results when a user searches for a keyword within a media asset, making it difficult to find the most relevant playback points. The system improves this by filtering results based on context and proximity to the current playback position. The system includes control circuitry configured to analyze a user-provided keyword and contextual information, such as the current playback position or user preferences, to identify relevant playback points across multiple media assets. When multiple playback points match the keyword and context, the system counts the number of matches and compares it to a predefined threshold. If the count exceeds the threshold, the system filters the results to display only those playback points within a specified time range from the current playback position. This ensures the user receives a manageable and relevant subset of results, improving efficiency and user experience. The system may also prioritize results based on additional factors like relevance or recency.
18. The system of claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when generating for display the indication of the at least one playback point, to: generate for display a progress bar overlaid on one or more of the other media assets; determine locations on the progress bar corresponding to each of the at least one playback point; and generate for display, at each of the locations on the progress bar, the indication.
This invention relates to a media playback system that enhances user navigation by visually indicating playback points within media assets. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently locating specific points in media content, such as videos or audio tracks, without requiring manual searching or extensive playback. The control circuitry generates a progress bar overlaid on one or more media assets, displaying a visual representation of the content's timeline. The system identifies and marks playback points, such as bookmarks, timestamps, or user-defined locations, by determining their corresponding positions on the progress bar. At each of these positions, the system generates and displays an indication, such as a marker or icon, allowing users to quickly access or reference these points. This feature improves user experience by providing intuitive navigation within media content, reducing the time and effort needed to locate specific segments. The system may also include additional functionalities, such as adjusting playback speed or skipping to marked points, further enhancing usability. The invention is particularly useful in applications where precise navigation is critical, such as educational content, professional media editing, or personalized media consumption.
19. The system of claim 11 , wherein the media guidance data is generated for display on a first device, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when generating for display the media guidance data, to: determine that a number of the at least one playback point that correspond to the keyword and the context exceed a threshold number to display on the first device; in response to determining that the number exceeds the threshold number to display on the first device, determine a second device associated with the user; and transmit data associated with one or more of the at least one playback points to the second device to be displayed by the second device.
This invention relates to media guidance systems that help users navigate and discover media content. The problem addressed is the challenge of displaying an excessive number of playback points (e.g., timestamps or segments) related to a keyword or context on a single device, which can overwhelm the user. The solution involves a system that generates media guidance data for display on a first device, such as a television or mobile device. When the system detects that the number of playback points matching a user's keyword or context exceeds a predefined threshold for display on the first device, it identifies a second device associated with the user. The system then transmits data associated with one or more of the playback points to the second device, which displays this information. This allows the user to view the playback points on a secondary device, reducing clutter on the primary device and improving usability. The system may also include features like generating media guidance data based on user preferences, tracking playback points, and filtering content based on keywords or context. The invention enhances media navigation by intelligently distributing information across multiple devices.
20. The system of claim 11 , wherein the media guidance data comprises parental controls for the second media asset.
This invention relates to a media guidance system that enhances user interaction with media content, particularly focusing on parental controls for media assets. The system provides a user interface that displays a first media asset and a second media asset, where the second media asset is related to the first media asset. The system allows users to navigate between these assets and access additional information or features associated with them. A key feature is the inclusion of parental controls within the media guidance data for the second media asset, enabling parents or guardians to restrict access to certain content based on age-appropriateness or other criteria. The system may also include a display of metadata, such as ratings or descriptions, to help users make informed decisions about media consumption. The parental controls can be applied dynamically, ensuring that content restrictions are enforced consistently across different media assets. This system improves user experience by providing seamless access to related media while maintaining control over content accessibility for younger audiences.
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November 19, 2019
March 8, 2022
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